Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Second Reading

I recognise this is an issue with strongly held ethical and moral positions on both sides of the debate, and I fully respect your views. Successive governments have taken the position that this is a matter of conscience for individual MPs. I support this approach. As you will know, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was passed by the House of Commons in June 2025 and then received extensive further scrutiny from the House of Lords. However, the Bill did not complete its scrutiny in the Lords before the prorogation of the 2024-26 session of Parliament in April, and so will not become law. Following the ballot for Private Members’ Bills for the new session of Parliament, Lauren Edwards MP introduced an identical version of the previous Bill. This was debated in Parliament on 11 September 2026 and the House of Commons voted against it. It will now make no further progress during the 2026-27 parliamentary session.

The Government is clear that no change in the law can be implemented until it is safe and feasible to do so. As a result, should any future Bill of this nature become law, it is highly unlikely to be fully implemented before 2029, at the earliest. If such a Bill does become law, it must include strong protections. I also believe assisted dying should not become an alternative to high-quality palliative and end of life care. Throughout this process, the Government, while remaining neutral, has sought to ensure any change future in the law will be effective, legally robust and workable. People deserve dignity in dying, and each person nearing the end of their life should feel reassured and safe in the knowledge they will receive the very best care. I was pleased that amendments to the previous Bill were adopted in the Commons to make it clear that no medical professional is under any duty to assist someone to end their life. It is vital that everyone’s freedom to act in accordance with their conscience on this issue is fully respected.